| Virgin Voyages to revamp group bookings

VIRGIN Voyages will approach groups differently next year, the cruise line has announced

Travel advisors will be offered 10% off retail rates for groups, as part of a number of key changes Virgin is making to help advisors sell next year.

There will also be no minimum number of cabins to book to secure the group saving.

Travel advisors will still earn a ‘travel conductor cabin’, which continues as 10 booked cabins earning an 11th free, or a 2% bonus commission.

Virgin is introducing steadier and more stable pricing, with no more dynamic rates, promising that booking early will secure the best price.

The cruise line’s voyage lengths now range from four to 16 nights, with more than 25 new ports and 30 itineraries added recently.

Accompanying this will be longer sale windows, with itineraries available more than two years in advance.

Cruises for the northern spring of 2027 are set to open soon, Virgin said.

Other changes will see the cruise line test its new app with cruisers, particularly in response to the difficulty of booking dining on board its ships.

Virgin will also update menus across its restaurants and in the Galley, with dining still included.

A whole new dining concept is launching on board Scarlet Lady: Lucky Lotus by Razzle Dazzle, with more new venues to come.

“All 5,000 members of our crew (land and sea) are passionate about delivering irresistible experiences and being ‘Brilliant For Your Business’,” an open letter from Chief Executive Officer Nirmal Saverimuttu said.

“We appreciate that you’ve made us the brand of choice for adults of all ages seeking an elevated but not stuffy adult escape,” he mused. MS